Anyone who owns a car, especially if they’ve just purchased it, has every intention of following the suggested car service checklist to maximize its lifespan. Unfortunately, some car owners don’t take the necessary measures to keep it running in tip-top condition. We’ve all heard the old Ben Franklin saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative maintenance itself doesn’t cost a lot of money and can help avert costly repair bills down the road.
First, Review the Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
All vehicles have an owner’s manual. If you don’t have one, you can probably find it online. This is a great way to start your car service checklist, including the best motor oil to use, information about the various filters, and when to replace them, etc.
Create a Car Service Checklist
There are several things you can do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, to take care of your car, from cleaning it to care of the exterior paint, to filling the wiper fluids and more. The following are a few of the most important tasks to have on your car service checklist.
Perform Your Own Inspection
Giving your vehicle a good once over periodically will help you uncover problems. This is especially important when it comes to traveling during the holidays. One example would be to check your lights frequently to make sure they’re working, listen for any unusual sounds, etc.
Check Out the Tires
Another critical task you should have on your vehicle checklist is to check the air pressure in the tires regularly. Doing this is not only good for the tires, but you’ll also enjoy better mileage which will save you money on gas. Also, make sure your tires have enough tread.
Check the Battery
Most batteries today don’t require a lot of maintenance, but you should inspect it once in a while to make sure it isn’t leaking and that there’s no acidic buildup on the contacts. If you find buildup, use a battery cleaning brush to clean it off (be sure to wear gloves). It’s also a good idea to invest in a battery tester and jump starter.
Check the Fluids
You can check most fluid levels yourself (coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid). If you discover a fluid leak or other problem, have a mechanic check it out. It’s always best to catch potential problems early instead of having to deal with an issue during your holiday travels.
The best possible way to save money on car repairs is to stick to your car service checklist and have regular maintenance performed by a trusted mechanic. At Hi-Tech Car Care, we have an extensive car service checklist that we use every time we work on any vehicle. From simple things like oil changes to extensive engine repairs, you can bet we follow the best methods for your repair.
Review Your Car Service Checklist – before you go on holiday
Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Review your checklist and then bring it to us for any service that you need. We can get you in and ready for your trip. Contact us today.
